Clemens
From Late Latin Clēmēns (genitive Clēmentis), name of early saints and popes, from clēmēns (“merciful”).
Every Clemens since 1885 — 1,641 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Clemens
Clemens is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1885, 1,641 American babies have been named Clemens. Its peak came in 1918, when 66 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1910s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Clemens stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Clemens year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2024 | 9 | #8,447 |
| 2023 | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | #12,489 |
| 2020 | 7 | #9,771 |
| 2019 | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | 6 | #10,935 |
| 2014 | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — |
| 2012 | 6 | #11,053 |
| 2011 | 5 | #12,636 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11,000 |
| 2009 | — | — |
| 2008 | 7 | #10,064 |
| 2007 | — | — |
| 2006 | — | — |
| 2005 | 9 | #7,752 |
| 2004 | — | — |
| 2003 | 9 | #7,341 |
| 2002 | 5 | #10,966 |
| 2001 | 9 | #7,023 |
| 2000 | 6 | #9,290 |
| 1995 | — | — |
| 1990 | — | — |
| 1985 | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | 14 | #2,158 |
| 1950 | 10 | #2,461 |
| 1945 | 13 | #1,943 |
| 1940 | 27 | #1,290 |
| 1935 | 18 | #1,667 |
| 1930 | 41 | #1,081 |
| 1925 | 48 | #984 |
| 1920 | 64 | #847 |
| 1915 | 62 | #761 |
| 1910 | 14 | #827 |
| 1905 | 12 | #707 |
| 1900 | 5 | #1,353 |
| 1895 | 7 | #893 |
| 1890 | 10 | #636 |
| 1885 | 7 | #777 |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Clemens
- Clemens Brentano Writer · 1778–1842
- Clemens August Graf von Galen Religious figure · 1878–1946
- Clemens Krauss Composer · 1893–1954
- Clemens Winkler Chemist · 1838–1904
- Clemens August of Bavaria Religious figure · 1700–1761
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Clemens mean?
From Late Latin Clēmēns (genitive Clēmentis), name of early saints and popes, from clēmēns (“merciful”).
How popular is the name Clemens in 2025?
Clemens did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Clemens?
1,641 babies have been named Clemens in the United States since 1885, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Clemens most popular?
Clemens peaked in 1918, when 66 newborns received the name.
Is Clemens a boy or girl name?
Clemens is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Clemens rising or falling?
Clemens is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Clemens?
Well-known people named Clemens include Clemens Brentano (writer), Clemens August Graf von Galen (religious figure), Clemens Krauss (composer).